A well-played and thought out album covering a little of something for everyone who likes a bit of Classic Rock.
The Taz Taylor Band has been keeping its fans guessing whether they would release an instrumental power-trio album or one augmented with a stellar singer. In this case, with 'Pressure And Time', it is the latter. Therefore, filling the shoes of Graham Bonnet and Keith Slack (MSG), the band has now enlisted the services of the talented vocalist Chandler Mogel (Outloud, Punky Meadows). Hailing from New Jersey, he provides a powerful and melodic voice which matches the Classic Rock songs laid down by the band. The Taz Taylor Band includes Taz Taylor himself on guitars (always Gibson Explorers!), Val Trainor (drums) and Barney L. Firks II on bass.
The catchy songs of the album provide instant appeal with the stellar vocal performance from Mogel (especially on opener 'Something Is Ending') and the distinctive guitar sound and soloing of Taylor. Many Rock avenues are explored, such as on the Bluesy 'Secrets You Got Over Me', the mid-paced but powerful 'Ash And Bone' and the out and out blaster 'One Thing'.
The Taz Taylor Band has recorded a few covers in the past, such as 'Parisienne Walkways' and a hybrid 'Mr. Crowley' and 'Goodbye To Romance' on 'Welcome To America', and on this album, they have embarked on ambitious renditions of Blackfoot's 'Highway Song' and Prince's 'Purple Rain'. The former comes off exceptionally well with Taylor's finger picking skills coming to the fore. '...Rain' was always going to be a hard one as the original's vocal performance was unique. However, Mogel does not try and copy many of its ups and downs, so the song comes over more low key and succeeds as a fitting tribute after Prince's recent death.
Out of the twelve tracks (thirteen are on the Japanese release which includes a bonus live track), there are two instrumentals � the complex 'A Moment Of Clarity' and the upbeat title track.
The Taz Taylor Band has again come up with a well-played and thought out album covering a little of something for everyone who likes a bit of Classic Rock.
Rob McKenzie